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Much more to this story

Posted By: Stanley E. Richards
Date: Tuesday, 19 October 2010, at 10:54 p.m.

In Response To: Some information (Steve Mellen)

The "dominant factor test" of this story has produced several responses. I read the appellate court ruling and find that this story has many underlying facts which are more astonishing.

There were approximately 20 guests in an individual home. About five were found guilty of violating the statutory gambling laws. These guests were only playing for micro stakes. House rakes collected by the home owner went for food and beverages to his friends. The lower court trial was highly contested with a vigorous defense of excellent lawyers and expert witnesses. The penalty for the convicted players probably does not include prison time. Fines seem to be the more likely punishment based on the language of the statutory law.

Well attorney Steve, tell the members how much money do you estimate the defense legal fees were? What have been the prosecution legal fees? My guess is that the defense has accumulated $30,000 to $60,000 in legal fees. How did these micro stakes players pay for such an enormous cost? Why would police and district attorneys so aggressively pursue these micro stakes home poker party players? These questions are tantalizing.

I suspect that the players have received legal fee assistance from Poker Lobby or Poker Support groups that recognize how frivolous this litigation is. The motivation of district attorneys to try this case, lose at Appellate Court, and take this micro stakes poker party case to Supreme Court is baffling. Steve, can you express any insight to legal fees, sources to pay legal fees, and the motivation of these district attorneys?

Stanley

Messages In This Thread

• In backgammon, skilled players generally beat those with fewer skills and players improve with practice!
  Joe Russell -- Tuesday, 19 October 2010, at 12:37 p.m.
  • In backgammon, skilled players generally beat those with fewer skills and players improve with practice!
    Bill Riles -- Tuesday, 19 October 2010, at 1:39 p.m.
    • In backgammon, skilled players generally beat those with fewer skills and players improve with practice!
      mtuhtan -- Tuesday, 19 October 2010, at 2:01 p.m.
  • Some information
    Steve Mellen -- Tuesday, 19 October 2010, at 2:56 p.m.
    • Some information
      Chuck Bower -- Tuesday, 19 October 2010, at 5:43 p.m.
      • Some information
        Timothy Chow -- Tuesday, 19 October 2010, at 11:19 p.m.
    • Some information
      GeorgeMJ -- Tuesday, 19 October 2010, at 6:40 p.m.
      • Some information
        Rich Munitz -- Tuesday, 19 October 2010, at 8:27 p.m.
        • Some information
          Harvey Gillis -- Tuesday, 19 October 2010, at 9:12 p.m.
          • Some information
            Stick -- Tuesday, 19 October 2010, at 10:08 p.m.
    • Much more to this story
      Stanley E. Richards -- Tuesday, 19 October 2010, at 10:54 p.m.
      • Much more to this story
        Steve Mellen -- Tuesday, 19 October 2010, at 11:38 p.m.
    • Some information
      Daniel Murphy -- Wednesday, 20 October 2010, at 3:07 a.m.
      • Some information
        Steve Mellen -- Wednesday, 20 October 2010, at 3:55 a.m.
        • LOL
          Tom Keith -- Wednesday, 20 October 2010, at 8:47 p.m.
    • Some information
      Havard Raddum -- Wednesday, 20 October 2010, at 6:29 a.m.
  • South Carolina gambling laws
    Paul Vianna -- Wednesday, 20 October 2010, at 12:17 a.m.